The coat of arms is the main distinguishing mark of various structures, countries and even people. How is this word interpreted? How did the coats of arms appear? What types of them exist?
Coat of arms is ... Definition of the word
Coats of arms appeared a long time ago and were usually used as an identification mark. Now they, together with the flag and anthem, form the basis of the national symbolism of any modern country in the world. The word "coat of arms" means a distinctive sign or emblem that is inherited. It displays the main features, objects, colors characteristic of the owner, and can relate to a person, gender, region, estate, country, etc.
A coat of arms is a composite image, which may include several figures that have symbolic meaning for its owner. The use, status and image of the coat of arms are determined in accordance with the historically established order. The history and significance of emblems is studied by the special science of heraldry.
Where did the term “coat of arms” come from? The meaning of the word from German is translated as "inheritance", there it sounds like Erbe. In the Eastern Slavic countries (Belarus, Ukraine, Russia), the word most likely came from the Polish language (herb), already in a modified form.
Origin history
People have always tended to surround themselves with various symbols. The habit of using images of animals, plants, weapons as a generic sign is deeply rooted in its roots. So, the prototypes of the coats of arms were Indian totems, Asian tamgas.
Many ancient emperors and conquerors also chose various images for personal armor and weapons. For example, the symbol of Alexander the Great was a sea horse. All these signs were arbitrary and often changed.
The first coats of arms appeared around the X century in the era of the dark Middle Ages. Family emblems of royal persons were placed on the press, served as a painting on important documents. The development of the heraldic tradition is facilitated by the emergence of the Crusades and knightly tournaments.
For knights, the coat of arms is the main identification mark, which was placed on armor, shields, cloaks, horse blankets. At the end of the XII century, coats of arms became widespread. Heraldic canons and specialists who were versed in this appeared. Each noble clan had its own coat of arms, which was inherited, mainly along the male line.
Types of emblems
The wide distribution and development of heraldic art contributed to the emergence of many varieties of emblems. They are distinguished by their legal status, styles, ranks, affiliations, etc. There are state and municipal emblems. They are considered official symbols that are legally assigned to countries, their cities and regions. Their description and meaning, as a rule, is entered in state codes of laws.
In the Middle Ages, family coats of arms appeared, which still exist in some noble families. They are divided into noble, civil, philistine and peasant. Before the birth of coat of arms there were personal ones that related to a specific person.
Corporate coats of arms refer to individual enterprises, orders, workshops, clubs, schools. They declare history and significance, past achievements and the current position of the organization they represent. For example, ancient universities such as Harvard, Cambridge and others have their own coats of arms.
Components of the coat of arms
Since the appearance of emblems is associated with chivalry, the terminology in heraldry is directly related to medieval military armor. The details that make up the coat of arms are the shield, crown, helmet, crest, shield holders, bastion, mantle, burlette, base and motto. Flags, pennants, a banner, a standard and a flag may also be present.
The main composition of the coat of arms is placed on the shield, it can have Byzantine, French, German, Italian, Polish, rhombic, round and other shapes. Shield holders are usually placed on the sides. It can be various animals, mythical creatures, angels, people. The shield itself can be located on the base or on a small platform, under which the owner’s motto is usually written on the tape.
Above the shield is a crown or helmet with a crest, which differ according to the status of the owner. On the helmet are sometimes placed a burlet (fabric tourniquet), bast (raincoat with uneven edges). Coats of arms of monarchs and sovereigns are surrounded by a royal mantle.
Symbolism
The basic rule of the coat of arms is symbolism. Each figure, image and color should have a direct connection with the owner of the emblem and reflect its character, features, aspirations. Figures and colors in heraldry have certain meanings.
The symbols of the ruling dynasties often became an eagle, meaning power, insight, wisdom, a lion, meaning strength and courage. The symbol of the empire was a double-headed eagle. Many state and municipal emblems depicted valuable local animals or endemic. For Botswana, these are zebras, for Australia, kangaroos and ostriches, Botswana chose swordfish and flamingos.
The colors on the arms are also not accidental. Golden is usually a symbol of empires and kingdoms, means magnanimity, wealth and justice. Silver color equals white and means purity. Blue or azure is a symbol of purity and beauty, green is a sign of hope, black is humility. Red color in heraldry means suffering, as well as strength, courage and courage.